Photo Credit: YouTube.com
The biggest surprise in pro wrestling this week, and some might argue all year, was the announcement at NJPW Power Struggle that Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4th, 2018 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
Following the announcement of the historic bout, many fans questioned Chris Jericho’s status with WWE, since Jericho has been working with the company on a part-time basis for several years now.
According to PWInsider.com, Chris Jericho indeed received clearance from WWE to face Omega at Wrestle Kingdom, as Jericho is still with WWE despite the upcoming New Japan Pro Wrestling match. The bout is said to be a one-off match for Jericho, who will not be working full-time with NJPW.
Read Also: Jim Ross On Jericho Vs. Kenny Omega At Wrestle Kingdom 12
Furthermore, Kenny Omega recently did an interview with Tokyo Sports, and confirmed Jericho’s WWE status with the following quote:
“Jericho is not full-time [with New Japan Pro Wrestling], he is still with WWE. Of course, Vince McMahon has given permission.”
As we noted earlier today, Vince McMahon took to Twitter and offered Jericho a happy birthday message, which should be a pretty clear indication that all is well between Jericho and WWE.
It’s also worth clarifying that Jericho is not actually under contract with WWE, so Y2J asking the company’s permission to appear at Wrestle Kingdom was likely done more out of respect than a contractual obligation. Dave Meltzer noted on Twitter that Jericho has been a free agent for six months now:
He’s a free agent, has been for more than six months https://t.co/EAkO5UcYGI
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) November 9, 2017